You are here: Home/CCS Cases/Turkey/ Betul Tanbay, Professor of Mathematics at Bogazici University and Vice President-Elect of the European Mathematical Society and Turgut Tarhanli, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Istanbul Bilgi University, Among 13 Prominent Academics, Journalists and Activists Detained on November 15, 2018 By Turkish Authorities

Betul Tanbay, Professor of Mathematics at Bogazici University and Vice President-Elect of the European Mathematical Society and Turgut Tarhanli, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Istanbul Bilgi University, Among 13 Prominent Academics, Journalists and Activists Detained on November 15, 2018 By Turkish Authorities

November 25, 2018

On November 15, 2018, Drs. Tanbay and Tarhanli, were among 13 prominent professionals arrested in Turkey. They were questioned regarding their links to the Anatolia Culture Association. The group was accused of trying to bring down the government due to their involvement in a series of large anti-government demonstration that took place in Istanbul’s Gezi Park in 2013. Twelve of those detained were released but have been put on a travel ban. It has not been disclosed if charges will be filed. CCS is concerned about the use of travel restrictions and the use of detention against citizens in retaliation for involvement in non-violent expressions of their opinions and rights to freedom of expression and association. Turkey is a signatory on international human rights agreements which protects citizens against such behavior and assures their rights to freedom of expression, association and due process.

The American and European Mathematical Associations have protested to the Turkish government on behalf of Dr. Tanbay demanding her immediate release. (Update Note: Dr. Tanbay has been released but the future of this action is unknown.)